Footy fitness really works

Oxford United are involved in another exciting initiative as they work with the community to help football fans improve their fitness.

The Footy Fitness scheme takes place at the Academy every Wednesday evening from 6-8pm and is specially designed to cater for men whose BMI (body-mass index) is over 30 and is run in partnership with Heart Research. The 10-week course features advice on enjoying a healthy lifestyle, with tips and recommendations as well as weekly exercise sessions based around football. In the two years that it has been running, the course has reached over 170 men and has proven very popular with all participants.

Community Manager Chris Lowes told oufc.co.uk "The Footy Fitness course is a great way to reach part of the community who might otherwise not get involved with playing football. We start them off with a gentle work-out in the gym and then go through some coaching sessions before ending with a small-sided football game.

"We've seen some great improvements in the fitness of those who take part and results have been very encouraging. I would encourage anyone who fits the criteria to get involved as you will certainly feel the benefits."